Islamic Center ‘redoubling’ outreach in light of anti-Muslim rally

The Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati is inviting members of the community to attend its regular open house this weekend, despite protesters planning anti-Muslim rallies.

Scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, June 10, at 8092 Plantation Drive in West Chester Twp., the “Know your Neighbor” open house is meant to welcome all members of the community into the center’s mosque as it has done on many Saturdays for years.

“We hold these events because diversity and mutual understanding between people of all faiths, races, and ages forms the foundation of a strong community,” reads a statement sent Friday by the center. “Unfortunately, a small group of very extreme people have decided to protest our open house this Saturday as part of a nationally coordinated campaign to stigmatize American Muslims this Ramadan. So we are redoubling our efforts to welcome all people to share part of their Saturday afternoon with us to show unity, strength and a belief in the American principle of religious freedom.”

To RSVP for the open house, email toursandtalks@cincinnatiislamiccenter.org with your name and number of attendees.

Center officials emphasized the open house is not a counter-protest.

“… we do not intend to engage with the protesters at all,” according to the center’s statement. “This is a peaceful coming together of people of all backgrounds who share our commitment to diversity and inclusion.”